Agent Explains Why Jonathan Kuminga Chose Timberwolves

Kuminga was the top unrestricted free agent on the market for most of the summer, but many of the teams with interest were limited in what they could pay him without a sign-and-trade. Although he potentially could have wound up with more money if he continued to wait, Kuminga decided to end the process this week by agreeing to a two-year deal with Minnesota.

“This is your chance to go to a place you can feel believed in,” Turner said he told Kuminga. “They’re going to encourage you. They’re going to push you, but they’re not going to run away from you.”

Anthony Edwards took the lead in the recruitment process, selling Kuminga on the Wolves’ style of play and their need for a power forward after parting with Julius Randle and Naz Reid in separate trades this offseason. Krawczynski notes that Edwards has embraced his role as a team leader and was active in organizing a recent team trip to Paris to work out with Rudy Gobert.

Edwards’ 2024 Olympics experience gave him a chance to play for Steve Kerr, whom Kuminga often clashed with during his time with Golden State, so they were able to discuss what went wrong. Edwards also talked extensively about their 2025 playoff meeting, when Kuminga averaged 20.8 points per game and proved to be a tough matchup for the Wolves’ defense.

“Ant can relate to JK in a way very few, if any, in the world can,” Turner said. “Him saying, ‘I know what you can do’ meant a lot.”

LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels also reached out to Kuminga, and the strong sales pitch went beyond the players. Turner confirms that president of basketball operations Tim Connelly met Kuminga for dinner in Miami and was very direct about what the team could offer him and what it would expect in return. Alex Rodriguez contacted Kuminga to express the support of ownership, and coach Chris Finch spoke to him numerous times with an emphasis on accountability.

“It was such a solid respect factor from top to bottom,” Turner said.

Krawczynski points out that Turner’s long relationship with Connelly and general manager Matt Lloyd may have helped a deal get done. The Wolves were only able to offer a $3.6MM veteran’s minimum contract to Kuminga when the process began, but Turner encouraged them to free up more space to make their bid more competitive. That happened when new controlling owner Marc Stad authorized spending up to the $6MM mid-level exception.

Kuminga’s contract includes a player option for the second season, which is something the Warriors refused to give him during last summer’s negotiations. The hope is that Kuminga will be Minnesota’s long-term answer at power forward, but Krawczynski cites a belief that both sides can benefit even if the arrangement only lasts one year.

“The best thing he can do for himself is focus on the moment,” Turner said. “If everybody guards and nobody cares about stats and it’s all about the team and winning, it’s going to be good.”